Australia: Shares post worst weekly performance since mid-Jan
[SYDNEY] Australian shares were little changed on Friday in a choppy session as a late rebound in financial and real estate shares helped prop up the index, which had been pulled lower by resources and energy stocks.
The S&P/ASX 200 index fell 0.09 per cent, or 5.26 points, to 5,898.90 at the close of trade, hitting an intra-day low of 5,870.7 points.
The benchmark finished flat on Thursday, after reaching its highest level since early 2008 on Monday. The index is down 0.5 per cent for the week, its worst weekly performance since Jan 16.
While the major banks ended in the red, insurance company QBE and investment bank Macquarie led gains with property companies Lend Lease and Westfield shining too.
Iron ore and metals companies including Fortescue and Arrium sank on declines in iron ore prices.
New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index rose 0.8 per cent or 46.29 points to finish the session at 5,903.065.
REUTERS
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
Capital Markets & Currencies
Stocks to watch: Keppel, FCT, Suntec Reit, OUE Reit, Clint, Digital Core Reit, OKP, Cordlife
Europe: Stoxx 600 falls on banks drag; tech contains losses on ASMI boost
US: Stocks end flat ahead of key inflation data
Hong Kong spot crypto ETFs to start trading next week
Greenback recovers from PMI slump, yen closes in on 155 per dollar
Hong Kong Stock Exchange bids farewell to first woman chair